Approximately 3,000 Brazilians seek to leave Lebanon
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that approximately 3,000 Brazilians wish to leave Lebanon amid the escalating military operations by the Israeli Armed Forces. This figure represents those who have contacted the embassy in Beirut to request repatriation. Currently, Lebanon is home to the largest Brazilian community in the Middle East, with a total of 21,000 Brazilians residing in the country.
Israeli airstrikes across various regions of Lebanon since September 17 have claimed the lives of over 1,000 individuals, including two Brazilian teenagers and their parents, while leaving thousands more wounded. Brazilians in the region describe the situation in Beirut, the capital, as “tense and terrible,” with an escalating risk of total war.
The repatriation of Brazilians begins on Wednesday (Oct. 2) under Operation Cedar Roots. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) will deploy a KC-30 aircraft with an initial plan to repatriate 220 Brazilians from Beirut airport, which remains open. The flight will include a stopover in Lisbon for refueling, both on the way to Lebanon and during the return journey. Additional flights are yet to be confirmed and are expected to occur over the coming days.
The operation was authorized by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who stated that Brazil will repatriate its citizens from abroad “wherever necessary.” He also expressed concern over the Israeli government's actions in its attacks on Lebanon.
